Police log: One dead after I-85 crash

This 18-wheeler was travelling north on Interstate 85 when it swerved and struck a concrete bridge pillar for the Durham Freeway. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Durham – The Durham Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving an 18-wheeler carrying tomatoes.
Investigators said the crash happened just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday. The driver, Kenneth Anders, 53 of Lake Toxaway, struck a concrete bridge pillar for the Durham Freeway driving on northbound Interstate 85.
Witnesses told authorities that the truck swerved from the center line and into the pillar. Anders was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 1994 Freightliner was owned by B&A Hyder trucking in Hendersonville. The company told authorities the truck was a total loss.
Investigators said the truck was carrying tomatoes. The produce was scattered across both north- and southbound lanes. Traffic in both directions reopened about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Investigators do not believe speed and alcohol played a factor in the fatal crash.

Durham men arrested after armed robbery
DURHAM -- Two men were arrested Sunday in connection with an armed robbery at the Budget Inn, 2101 Holloway St.
Elijah Swain, 17, and Darion Revels, 20, allegedly robbed a male victim at knifepoint on Aug. 24 at the motel. They demanded cash from the victim. Police believe Revels and Swain knew the victim in the case.
Revels was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and Swain was charged with aiding and abetting robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Both are in custody in Durham County Jail. They each are being held under a $250,000 secured bonds.

Trio charged with drug crimes
Durham – Three people were arrested last week on multiple drug charges.
Stevie Cox, 43, Alexis Cox, 29, and Joey Hamlett, 31, were arrested on Aug. 21 on charges of possession of marijuana with the intent to sell or deliver, possession of marijuana with the intent to sell or deliver within 1,000 feet of a park, maintaining a dwelling for the sale or delivery of controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The trio is accused of possessing marijuana within 1,000 feet of Rocky Creek Park, 1014 N. Elizabeth St.
Stevie Cox and Hamlett are still in custody at the Durham County Jail. Hamlett is being held under a $40,000 secured bond. Stevie Cox is under a $50,000 secured bond.
Alexis Cox is no longer in custody.

Teen arrested in Lee Street murder

DURHAM – A U.S. Marshals team arrested a 16-year-old from Durham onWednesday in the death of 18-year-old Rakwon Smith, who was killed on Lee Street on Aug. 9.

Shawn Leroy Butler was in Raleigh on Mine Valley Road.

Butler is charged with murder and two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Investigators believe Butler and Smith knew each other and the incident was not random.

The charges stem from a shooting on Lee Street on Aug. 9 about 9:45 p.m. on the 600 block of Lee Street. When authorities arrived they found Smith inside his home with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of critical injuries. He later died at the hospital.

Investigators believe the shots were fired from outside of the house.

Lauren Horsch is the police reporter for The Herald-Sun. She can be reached at 919-419-6646, or by email at lhorsch@heraldsun.com. You can follow her on Twitter at @LaurenHorsch.